Good pictures

Since opening my Etsy shop in September, I’ve learned quite a bit about the importance of taking good product pictures. To be honest, the pictures I take now are not phenomenal, but they’re a lot better than when I started. Here are some tips I’ve picked up:

1. Use natural light if you can!

These bags look muted.

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While on this one you can see all the different colored dragon flies.

I used to take pictures at my desk, but my desk doesn’t get any window light. So I would use my desk lamp and the pictures always came out a little yellowy. I mostly set up a table outside now on nice days. The direct sunlight makes colors pop, but sometimes it can be a bit bright. Find what works for you.

2. Take pictures with props.

Even if I told you this clutch has an 8 inch opening, would that mean anything?

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Now you can see a wallet fits comfortably inside.

This gives people a better idea of how big or small the item is, even if you provide dimensions.

3. Photoshop (or any photo-editing program) is your friend.

This is too far away and crooked. And it isn’t even centered!

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Straight, centered, and close up.

It gives you the opportunity to clean up your pictures. For this picture, I tilted it slightly so the pouch doesn’t look crooked, cropped it, and edited out some mystery marks from the table cover (leaves maybe?)

4. Try different things and have fun with it.

I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to do most things. Life comes with a lot of grey area. So find what works best for you, and have at it :)